Excerpts from FEUNAF USA President’s acceptance speech

Standing before you tonight, as I humbly accept the role of president of our Alumni Organization, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude—a gratitude that echoes through the corridors of our beloved institution and reverberates within my heart. It feels only natural to reflect upon the themes of thankfulness and gratefulness—values that have shaped our journeys, our community, and our very identities.

Let me start by thanking each and everyone of you, who spend a lot of money attending our reunion every 2 years, Your purpose might be to see your classmates and friends, to support them, but to our organization, it is to support and sustain our projects. So you see, your presence is not lost in us, we appreciate your presence each time. To the Far Eastern University delegation, who always grace our events despite the distance, this time, to Pres Montinola, Dean Uy, Director Celmer. And to our ultimate adviser ( I call her adwiser, actually, Dean Lydia Palaypay. Allow me to express my deepest appreciation for our past presidents, board members and advisers. That include, every Chapter's governance as well. Their vision, integrity, and commitment have set the standard for excellence. They have shown us that leadership is about service, and that the truest measure of success lies not in personal accolades but in the lives we touch and the legacy we leave.  

 I am grateful for the friendships and partnerships that have flourished through this organization, and for the tireless efforts of every volunteer, member, and supporter who has given so much to keep our alumni family vibrant and strong. That includes the husbands wives and children of our alumni who help during big events like this.

I am grateful for the friendships and partnerships that have flourished through this organization, and for the tireless efforts of every volunteer, member, and supporter who has given so much to keep our alumni family vibrant and strong. That includes the husbands wives and children of our alumni who help during big events like this. Gratefulness, I believe, is not passive; it is active. It compels us to give back, to lift others as we have been lifted, to mentor as we have been mentored, and to cherish and support the next generation as we ourselves were once cherished. Our gratitude becomes the foundation from which we build a future—one grounded in in our alma mater’s core values of FORTITUDE, EXCELLENCE and UPRIGHTNESS

With gratitude as our compass, let us step boldly into the future. Our alumni network is a vibrant community of innovators, leaders, dreamers, and change-makers. Let us harness the power of our shared experiences to uplift one another, to foster professional growth, to support current students, and to give back to the institution that gave us so much. Last night I received a call from the Chair of the Lydia Arao Palaypay 

Endowment, Ms Marian Kapadia, that the Florida Chapter is donating $1,000 to the LAPE. And just this afternoon, I received a $5,000 check for LAPE, from someone who wants to remain anonymous. And I heard that the raffle tickets are selling like hot cakes, to raise funds for the Felicidad Diaz Elegado Endowment. These are our major projects back home to support our nursing students and faculty. Thank you so much Florida Chapter, to our anonymous donor, and to all who bought the raffle tickets here and the Philippines. 

As we reflect on what we have received, let us also consider what we can give. Whether it is through mentorship, scholarship contributions, community service, or simply by sharing our stories, every act of giving is an act of gratitude. Thankfulness is not just a moment for reflection; it is a call to action. Let us champion initiatives that foster inclusion and opportunity. Let us reach out to those who may feel distant or disconnected and remind them that they are valued members of our family. Through our actions, let us model the spirit of thankfulness all year round—not just in a single season, but in every season of our lives.

I am grateful for the technology that allows us to stay connected across continents and generations. Let us celebrate our milestones—both personal and collective—and remember that each success is sweeter when shared.

As we enter this new chapter together, let us be guided by the wisdom of gratitude. Let us remember that our greatest strength lies not in individual accomplishments, but in our unity, our compassion, and our willingness to give thanks in all circumstances. Thank you for this incredible honor, for your confidence, and for your ongoing dedication to our alumni family. May we move forward with thankful hearts, uplifted spirits, and an enduring commitment to one another and to the institution that made us who we are. Let us embrace it, celebrate it, and let it inspire every step we take—together.

Thank you very much and good evening.

Amor S Collera, MAN RN

Class 1985